Watch CBS News

Schwarzenegger Touts California's Record On Climate Change At U.N.

SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS)— Former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger took his campaign against climate change to the United Nations Tuesday. He spoke to heads of state and government as well as global CEOs about creating the political will to embrace clean energy.

Schwarzenegger touted California's track record of pledging to reduce carbon emissions 25 percent by the year 2020 and 85 percent by 2050.

KCBS' Holly Quan Reports:

"When I look back at my time as California Governor, I'm most proud that California was one of those regional governments that were part of the solution instead of standing on the sidelines," he said.

The former governor said the state added one million solar roofs, the green building initiative, the low-carbon fuel standard, and that the tail pipe initiative was an idea the Obama Administration adopted on a national level after the Golden State paved the way.

Schwarzenegger stressed that regional governments are leading the way in these initiatives and the Federal government is following in their footsteps.

He urged smaller governments to take the initiative and create their own clean energy plans saying none of the most powerful movements started in the nation's capitals but on the grass roots level.

(Copyright 2011 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.